Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

72 • Massage Therapy Journal

Research Literacy Examining the Latest Research

Self-Care Massage Techniques from the TOMCATT Study for Neck Comfort

By Niki Munk PhD, LMT Bridging Research and Practice

Massage therapy research continues to offer practical insights that can be applied both in the treatment room and in therapists’ own routines. Specifically, massage interventions used in research and reflective of massage therapy practice can be meaningful tools for self-care and for empowering clients to take an active role in their wellness between sessions, especially when those massage interventions are designed for accessibility and ease of use. One such intervention was developed 3 and tested 4 in the recently comp leted and published randomized control trial “Trial Outcomes for Massage: Care Ally–Assisted vs. Therapist Treated (TOMCATT).” Both massage approach interventions used in the TOMCATT study were developed and implemented into the research protocol by experienced massage therapists and reflect real-world massage therapy practices and approaches to chronic neck pain. For self-care considerations, the self-massage components included in the TOMCATT care-ally

S elf-care is essential for massage therapists— not just to maintain personal well-being, but to sustain the physical demands of clinical practice. The repetitive use of upper body muscles, prolonged postures, and the emotional labor of caregiving can contribute to neck tension and discomfort over time. At the same time, massage therapists are uniquely positioned to empower clients with self care strategies that reinforce treatment outcomes between sessions. Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, 1 affecting millions of people and ranking among the leading causes of disability. 2 For massage therapists, the issue is particularly relevant—not only because clients frequently seek massage to address neck pain, but also because therapists may themselves experience neck pain and discomfort.

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